Last Name Dubus

The surname Dubus is of French origin. It comes from the Old French term "du buis," which means "of the holm-oak." Holm-oaks are evergreen trees with stiff, spiny leaves that were common in France during the Middle Ages. During this period, people often took their occupations or places of origin as surnames to distinguish themselves from others in the community. As a result, families living near holm-oak trees likely took "du buis" as their last name. Over time, it evolved into Dubus. This name is most prevalent in northern France, particularly in Normandy and Brittany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dubus

The meaning and origin of the last name Dubus

The surname Dubus is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "duboz" or "dubos", which means "double-bodied" or "humped". It was often given to someone who was born with a physical deformity that resembled a hump. In medieval France, this name was also used metaphorically to describe a person of significant stature or influence. Over time, the spelling has evolved from Duboz/Dubos to Dubus in modern French. The surname is prevalent in France and regions colonized by France, such as Louisiana in the United States. Notable individuals with the surname Dubus include André Dubus, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the renowned writer of "The Little Prince."

Geographical distribution of the last name Dubus

The surname Dubus is most prevalent in France, where it originates from the Old French 'Dubuc', meaning 'oak bush'. It is particularly concentrated in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. Historically, these regions were associated with the expansion of the Duchy of Normandy during the Middle Ages, which could account for the distribution pattern of the name within France. The diaspora from France led to a dispersal of the Dubus family name across the globe. In North America, significant concentrations of Dubus families can be found in Quebec due to French colonialism and immigration, as well as in Louisiana, USA, due to French settlement by the French Company of the Indies. Smaller clusters can be found in countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and various English-speaking nations like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, which have welcomed French immigrants throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dubus

The surname Dubus has several variations and spellings, including DuBois, Dubeaux, Dubosc, Duboisse, Duboys, Dubouse, and Duboise. These alterations may result from regional dialects, personal preference, or errors in transcription over time. It is also found in French-speaking countries such as France, Canada, and Haiti. The name originates from the Old French word "dubus," meaning "dark" or "brown," and was originally a diminutive form of given names containing the element "du" (black, dark). Variations may also include different diacritical marks in countries where they are used, such as Duboîs, Duboisse, and Duboise.

Famous people with the last name Dubus

The Dubus family has produced several notable figures in literature and academia. Most prominently, American authors André Dubus (1936-1999) and his son, Andre Dubus III (born 1959), have gained acclaim for their writing. André Dubus Sr., a Pulitzer Prize finalist, is known for his short story collections such as "Adultery" and "Separate Flights." His son, André Dubus III, authored the bestselling novel "House of Sand and Fog," which was adapted into a film in 2003. Another notable member of the family is Henri Dubus (1849-1918), a French mathematician and academic who made significant contributions to number theory. Although not as well-known, Charles Dubus (1926-2007) was also a respected American author and professor, best known for his novel "The Wine of Astonishment." These individuals represent the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the surname Dubus across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Dubus

The surname Dubus is primarily of French origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French "duboz," meaning "double house" or "fortified farm." Variations of the name include Dubois, DuBois, Duboys, and others, stemming from regional dialects and spelling conventions over time. The family is believed to have originated in Normandy, with early records tracing back to the 12th century, such as the marriage of Ailbaut le Dubos in Le Bec-Hellouin in 1150. Throughout history, notable bearers of the name include Guillaume Dubus, a nobleman during the French Revolution; and François Dubois, a Canadian explorer who accompanied Samuel de Champlain on his voyages to New France. The Dubus family has spread across Europe and North America, with significant numbers found in France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dubus"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends